Loved Ones,
What a wonderful day it is! I wish you all could feel how superb the weather is in Midwood, New York. I comment on it frequently. Yesterday was perhaps in the top 10 most beautiful days ever, and today, there is a crisp autumn breeze that is simply gorgeous. I have a reason to wear what I now refer to as my "sensitive sweater". Elder Cutshall always used that term, and I have adopted it because I feel it is most appropriate. Seriously guys, it is really beautiful right now. And it's not just the weather! Great and joyful events decided to pay a visit last week. There will be more to come on that. But I want to know how all of you are doing? What is the scoop? I hope that whatever the scoop is, it is as pure and fantastic as Ben & Jerry's ice cream. May all your days be as a glorious conglomeration of dairy, peanut butter, and chocolate. From what I can tell, everyone seems to be doing well. Mom, way to get straight A's! I'm impressed. You are going to give me a run for my money. I think it will help us to reach our full academic potential if we inject a good dose of healthy competition into the situation. Also, the house seems to be coming along swimmingly. Can we all agree to not put any fake plants in it? That would bring me joy. (That's a little private joke). How is school going for everyone? It's strange to be working on my school application. With that said, I cannot stress enough how wise Elder Nelson's recent counsel to get that all taken care of before serving a mission is. Let me just say that I am rooting for each of you, and it is my sincere hope and prayer that the vending machine of life continues to dispense only the most delicious of offerings.
It is an interesting time in my neighborhood, because we are in the midst of an 8-day Jewish holiday called Sukkhos (I think). I may have the name a bit wrong, but the name comes from a structure called a sukkha that the Jewish people build and eat their meals in for the duration of the holiday. From what I've learned, this is symbolic of the children of Israel's time in the wilderness. The sukkhas are built outdoors, and they look basically like a hut. There is also this special fruit called an esrog (I think) that is part of the celebration. The fruit is some sort of citrus, and it is imported from Israel. It's all very interesting. The town basically shut down for a few days to observe the holiday. Actually, there apparently is a foreign film that is set during this holiday. One of the elders was telling me about it, but I don't recall the name. Maybe if you search some key words on Google you could find it and check it out. Experiencing all of this culture and tradition first-hand is a treat. I am going to appreciate "The Fiddler on the Roof" so much more after my stay here. Earlier, I was telling Elder Monestine how much I love this neighborhood. It is my favorite place in New York so far by a significant margin. It almost seems like the neighborhood in "Sesame Street" to me. It's slightly utopian in nature, and full of warmth and traditional values. In short, I am very happy to be here. I love this place, and I feel very lucky. Aside from the perfect potpourri of weather and culture, there have been great missionary moments as well. First of all, Elder Monestine and I had an appointment with a beautiful family last week. It is the first time that I've taught a whole family the gospel, and I was so happy that I had the opportunity. Teaching a family is a very powerful reminder that the gospel of Jesus Christ blesses families. So much of missionary work is directly related to the building and sustaining of eternal families. The goal of this all is to have families be happy and at peace in their homes and to have the tools they need to make their family an eternal one. I want you all to know that I know that families can be together forever. Happiness and peace will be achieved as families center their homes on the teachings of Jesus Christ. There are few things of which I am more certain. And I also feel it is important to remember that we really are all part of an eternal family. Every one on earth is a spirit child of Heavenly Father. Life would be better if we always acted in accordance with this beautiful doctrine. We are all on the same team, and we are all on the same journey. The journey is more pleasant and successful if we treat each other with love and respect and extend a helping hand to everyone around us. I'm very grateful that Heavenly Father has placed us in families and that I have the privilege and opportunity to share God's truth with my eternal family. "Ohana means family, and family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten." I don't want anybody to be missing from my eternal family. I pray that all will listen to and accept the simple message of the restoration of the gospel. Elder Monestine and I also taught another lesson to a young man who has been looking for truth his whole life. That was also a choice opportunity. The Lord has been blessing me abundantly. I know that what I am doing is right, and I know that if I will just do my best with a willing heart, no effort will be wasted, and blessings will always come.
I love you all so much! Please don't forget that! Thank you for the love and support you are endlessly sending. Thank you for your prayers. I know that I have been blessed by them. Thank you for being who you are and for helping me to become who I need to be.
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